Maybe, maybe not. I have seen clematis in pots at big box stores that often get hit and miss watering with dried stems but new growth pushing up from the crown. Good sales bargains for the knowing costumer.

Go ahead and plant it or sink the pot in the ground and keep it watered. Most stores will allow one to bring back a plant throughout the season.

Suggestions for planting new clematis. Plant tilted towards your trellis, several inches deeper than the top of the pot. Also trim the stems to 6-8 inches to encourage more stems from the crown.

Pllease let us know what results.

Thanks, I will do just that and see what happens. The dried out stems do worry me. I will keep you posted.

You should be worried about the crown and roots not the stems.

Plant it deep in a big well dug hole and sprinkle some alfalfa pellets around it and cut it back hard too.